Al-Shafi'i Mosque
Al-Shafi'i Mosque is one of the historic mosques in Jeddah Governorate in Makkah Al-Mukarramah Province. Sources indicate that it was constructed during the reign of Caliph Umar Bin Al-Khattab. Its Minaret was built in the thirteenth century. It is distinguished for its Islamic architecture. It is square in shape and has an open yard in the middle for ventilation. It has undergone several maintenance and restoration works, the first of which took place during the reign of Sultan Muzaffar Shams Al-Din Yusuf.
Origin of the name of Al-Shafi'i Mosque
The mosque was named after Mohammad Bin Idris Al-Shafi'i, the imam of Al-Shafi'i School, one of the four major schools . It was known as Al-Jami' Al-'Atiq (Ancient Mosque), a name given to historical mosques.
Location of Al-Shafi'i Mosque
The mosque is next to the brass makers' market and the ancient goldsmiths and silversmiths markets. In the east of the mosque are the clothes and fabrics markets known as Beduin Markets, in addition to shops and historic buildings.
The mosque lies in the middle of Al-Mazloum Neighborhood in Historic Jeddah. Its significance emerges from its historical importance as a witness to the early centuries of Islam. Traditional materials such as wood, sea clay, and excavated stone were used in the construction of the mosque, as they were the main construction materials used by the people of Jeddah at the time.
Restoration of Al-Shafi'i Mosque
The Al-Shafi'i Mosque underwent comprehensive restoration under the close attention of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. In 2014, while serving as crown prince, he visited the mosque during his trip to Historic Jeddah and reviewed its restoration progress. The final phase of the restoration was completed, and the mosque was inaugurated in 2015.
The mosque’s corridors and interior walls are adorned with inscriptions and engravings that captivate the curiosity of both visitors and worshippers. Archaeological research teams have discovered that lead was used in the mosque’s foundations and column bases. Notably, its restoration marks the first heritage building project to be carried out using the UNESCO-adopted restoration method.
The restoration of Al-Shafi'i Mosque encountered major challenges, as it demanded meticulous care to preserve the original design, an embodiment of distinctive Islamic architecture, while avoiding any damage during the renovation process. This was especially difficult given that the mosque’s primary materials are sand and gypsum.